Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Angelfish stays true to its top-down shooter roots by delivering fast-paced, action-packed gameplay that constantly tests your reflexes. From the very first level, you’ll find yourself weaving between enemy fire, chasing down power-ups, and unleashing a barrage of weapons at waves of Sirian fighters. The core loop of dodging, shooting, and collecting upgrades is both familiar and deeply satisfying, especially as the intensity ramps up with each successive stage.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The game’s control scheme is intuitive, allowing for precise movement and swift targeting. Whether you’re darting diagonally across the screen to avoid a homing missile or lining up a perfect shot on a heavily armored cruiser, the responsiveness feels tight and reliable. Piloting your craft becomes almost second nature, which is crucial when facing the relentless onslaught of foes designed to overwhelm even the most seasoned shooter veterans.

Power-ups and bonus multipliers are scattered strategically throughout each of the 18 levels, rewarding exploration and risk-taking. Grabbing a weapon upgrade at just the right moment can turn the tide of a tough encounter, while maintaining a high combo multiplier adds an element of strategy to the carnage. It’s this balance between tactical play and raw action that keeps Angelfish compelling over the long haul, encouraging you to improve your performance and master every stage.

Graphics

One of Angelfish’s standout features is its meticulously hand-drawn art style. Every sprite, from the nimble player ship to the massive Sirian boss vessels, has been rendered with care and attention to detail. The graphical assets pop against the backdrop of space, with vivid colors and smooth animations that make explosions and laser blasts truly feel impactful.

The level design is varied, moving beyond generic black starfields to include nebulae, asteroid belts, and alien armadas in full assembly. Background parallax scrolling adds depth to the action, while subtle visual flourishes—like debris drifting off destroyed ships—enhance the overall immersion. Even after several playthroughs, you’ll still appreciate the artistry in the environments that set each stage apart.

Particle effects and lighting play a significant role in selling the drama of the battles. Flares, shockwaves, and energy trails are not mere eye candy; they also serve functional purposes, letting you gauge the trajectory and power of enemy weapons. This marriage of form and function in the graphics elevates Angelfish above many peers in the top-down shooter genre.

Story

As a sequel to Firehammer, Angelfish picks up the narrative thread of interstellar conflict with the Sirian armies. The overarching mission is straightforward—destroy the Sirian mothership before their raid escalates into an all-out cosmic war. While the plot doesn’t break new ground, it provides just enough context to drive your actions across 18 challenging levels.

Brief cutscenes and mission briefings bookend each chapter, giving you glimpses of the stakes and the growing desperation of the galaxy’s defenses. These narrative beats are concise but effective, offering moments of tension and anticipation before you dive back into the firefight. The minimalist approach to story ensures that you spend most of your time in action, but the occasional dialogue windows add character to the campaign.

Boss encounters often come with their own narrative twists, such as sabotaged weapons arrays or behemoth cruisers that require a change in tactics. These set pieces break up the standard shooting formula and remind you that you’re progressing toward a climactic showdown. It’s a tried-and-true structure, yet Angelfish’s pacing and level variety keep the story engaging enough to carry you through all 18 stages.

Overall Experience

Angelfish delivers a polished, high-octane shooter experience that will appeal to fans of the genre looking for a serious challenge. The blend of responsive controls, strategic power-up placement, and memorable boss fights ensures that each play session feels rewarding. Even if you’ve conquered dozens of similar titles, Angelfish’s difficulty curve and hand-drawn aesthetics give it a distinct identity.

Replayability is high, thanks to the scoring system and bonus multipliers that encourage you to refine your runs and chase leaderboard glory. Whether you’re an arcade purist aiming for a perfect S-rank or a completionist eager to see every cutscene, there’s plenty to keep you engaged. The game strikes a good balance between accessible pick-up-and-play action and deep mastery for hardcore players.

From the visually striking environments to the tight, challenging gameplay, Angelfish feels like a love letter to classic shooters. Its strengths lie in its ability to blend nostalgia with modern polish, offering a robust single-player campaign that will have you coming back level after level. If you’re in the market for a top-down shooter that tests your skills and rewards precision, Angelfish is well worth your attention.

Retro Replay Score

null/10